Top ten libraries of 2013

Designboom's pick of the best library architecture worldwide for 2013.

Good to see the Library of Birmingham in there, and the contrasting 'personal' combined library and study in a forest setting.

The new Helsinki University library is featured along with the Baghdad library, both of which have been profiled by Designing Libraries in the past.

Perhaps the most astonishing is the crystal-form four-storey helical concept for Datong Library in China, balanced by the more restrained approach taken to an extension to a former chapel in Italy, now the Elsa Morante public library.

There are links from the feature by designboom to detailed profiles of each library.